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iwellbc
Barça have confirmed that Eric Abidal has contracted swine flu whilst midfielder Yaya Touré is having tests for the illness having shown symptoms of the virus.
“Eric Abidal and Toure Yaya have viral-like symptoms with fever and general discomfort,” read a club statement. “Relevant tests have been carried out on both players.
“In Abidal’s case, these tests confirm he is suffering from swine flu.
“As for Toure, during Friday it could be confirmed whether these symptoms are also a result of swine flu.
“Nevertheless, he is certainly sidelined for Saturday’s match against Athletic Club.
“The medical services are working following the protocols established by the health department isolating the players, carrying out symptomatic treatment and giving appropriate hygienic measures.”
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Lionel Messi has a suspected tear in his left thigh after he was substituted off at Sam Mamés on Saturday night.
“We took him off because he was in pain. We’ll do more tests tomorrow but the outlook is not good,” manager Guardiola told a news conference following Barça’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao which saw the champions drop down to second behind new league leaders Real Madrid.
The number of players unavailable to Guardiola ahead of the season defining week next week is increasing at an alarming rate with Zlatan Ibrahimovic out with a thigh strain, Yaya Touré out with swine flu, Éric Abidal out with both swine flu and a knocked picked up on international duty and Rafael Márquez who also has a suspected case of swine flu.
Barça take in Inter Milan on Tuesday night in a must win match. Should Barça lose all three points and Rubin Kazan beat Dynamo Kyiv at home then the European champions will be knocked out of the competition.
Following that, Barça then take on new pacesetters Real Madrid on Sunday night with all 3 points a must to regain top spot in the league.
